A petition has been set up to prevent a one-of-a-kind drinking fountain in Folkestone being moved to a more prominent spot.

The Sidney Cooper Weston Fountain, built in 1897, has sat in the Bruce Porter Garden, on the corner of Wear Bay Road, for 97 years.

Before that it could be found along The Leas providing water to the public, local 'cabbies' and their horses.

But in 1922 it was moved to its current location to make room for the war memorial at the top of Remembrance Hill.

It is made from cast iron and was created at the Brittania Iron Works by Andrew Handyside & Co in memory of photographer Sidney Cooper Weston, a Christian philanthropist, a temperance advocate and member of The Society Of Friends who worked tirelessly for the town.

Over the last century the piece - the only one of its kind in the world - has fallen into disrepair, and is now rusty with paint peeling.

Go Folkestone, a group set up to lead "positive change in the local area", was behind the fountain recently being granted Grade II-listed status.

The group has now put together a 'project proposal', which includes the fountain’s history, outlines the work needed to protect it, and gives some suggestions for its future in the town.

As well as suggesting major repair work be carried out - which could cost upwards of £50,000 - the proposal raises questions about whether it could be moved to a more prominent location, such as Marine Crescent.

The proposal document states: “The footfall along the seafront is much greater and the forthcoming seafront development gives an ideal opportunity to move the fountain to a more prominent location where its exposure might help to protect it.”

Treasurer of the group Terry Begent said: “It is for the council to decide where it goes really.

“But if it was to be restored it would have to go away anyway for repairs - and so it gives us a chance to have a discussion about possibly moving it.

“The question is does the fountain deserve to come back to town?

“It is not for me to answer it but might be for me to raise the question.”

But the proposal has now sparked a backlash, with a petition being set up by town councillor Mary Lawes, who opposes any such move.

Cllr Lawes (Foundation Party UK) said: “There is a contentious issue about where this fountain should sit.

"Some local historians feel the fountain should be moved to a more prominent position but locals, including myself, feel the fountain should remain where it is.”

The petition, which has attracted 250 signatures, reads: “The fountain has been recently registered as Grade II listed.
"Funding is now being sough to restore the fountain to its former glory.

"It has been suggested that the fountain be moved to a more prominent place.

“We disagree, this fountain overlooks the harbour towards the fishing families that Sidney Cooper Weston helped during his life.

“We want it to remain where it is.”

But the petition may be a premature step, as Folkestone and Hythe District Council says it is unlikely the fountain, owned by the Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity Trustees, will be moved.

A spokesman said: “The council has met with stakeholders including the local ward councillors, Folkestone Town Council and local historians after it learned of groups working without its consent or knowledge.

“The restoration and location of the fountain was discussed and it is unlikely that the fountain will be moved.

“It is very early days and if any restoration project is to succeed significant funding will need to be raised.

“Any restoration to the fountain will be subject to the consent of the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity Trustees.”

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